Posted on July 24, 2009 in Latest News
Anatomically, hypothalamus is located below the thalamus and posterior to the optic chiasma in the brain. It is that area of the brain that is responsible for connecting the nervous system to the endocrine glands. This it does via the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and circadian cycles.
It is a small cone-shaped structure, it projects downward, ending in the pituitary (infundibular) stalk, a tubular connection to the pituitary gland. The round bony cavity containing the pituitary gland is called the sella turcica.
Hypothalamus has many complex functions. In the process of connecting nervous system to endocrine glands it synthesizes and secretes neurohormones. These neurohormones in turn regulate and control several functions of the body.
Following are the Functions of Hypothalamus:
- The main job of the hypothalamus is to maintain homeostasis. Neurons in the hypothalamus respond to changes in blood glucose and salt levels and blood pressure.
- It is responsible for regulating the body temperature.
- It regulates physical factors such as hunger, thirst, feeding reflexes and water preservation.
- It plays major role in regulating circadian cycles or sleep wake cycles.
- Testicular functions and ovarian functions are regulated by hypothalamus.
- It plays a major role in regulating body metabolic functions and maintaining energy levels.
- It secretes hormones that regulate pituitary gland regulation.
- It controls mood and behavioral functions.
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